The Edwin Hawkins Singers-Father's House/1971

[@paulinebrowaeys5252]

More energy in Elaine's voice than a whole choir... Amazing.

[@wchopkins6653]

Her voice has such a smoky resonance, but she's got some RANGE! truly a legend

[@christhomas5761]

Elaine Kelly is amazing... Hope she is healthy and blessed in 2017 as her voice is still blessing us !

[@Mejayjay6]

These songs are messages the world needs to hold on to for today.... Backed up by the Bible...

[@mybingobrain]

Hope you are safe and healthy.

[@smallrich]

This is the original version by Edwin Hawkins. It was recorded in 1968 on the album "Let Us Go Into The House of The Lord" which was later renamed Oh Happy Day. It actually was second in popularity to the hit O Happy Day during the late sixties. This was just a live TV performance that happened to air in 1971. I'm sure there were others who may have recorded it later.

[@ShondaGospelDiva]

Wow! Is that Walter in the tenor section on the right behind the lead singer with that HUGE process and BIG part! LOL. And I know that's Tramaine in the center of the soprano section. Can't miss that smile! Wow! My gospel choir still sings this song from time to time. The good songs NEVER and I repeat NEVER get old. That's why people keep remaking them. God bless the first family of contemporary gospel music. Much Love, Shonda

[@vangoghmatisse1]

WOW ELAINE KELLY, WHAT A VOICE!!!!

[@sistersotrue28]

Love it, old fashion gospel always reaches my soul (before folks comment negative I like some new gospel also), peace and blessings

[@derrickbanes]

i still remember like yesterday over 30 some odd years ago, i was lil boy then. but it was one tuesday nite when our choir practiced this song. my cousin (male) led it. he was hitting the high notes and all. lol. i never knew until this moment that this was a hawkins family song. lol classic, nostalgic, spiritual, and just plain good singing.

[@marvinking9848]

Lynette Hawkins mastered much of Elaine Kelly's style once she came of age to sing with group. The ability to be a great ad- libber on pilot drive, and repeating lines with that coarse undertone during the vamp. This was a Hawkins style among the female singers to push into a coarse undertone, especially with Tramaine and Lynette.

[@christhomas5761]

@ , And Elaine Kelly has one of the greatest voices ever as well. Thankfully she is alive and well along with Tramaine and Lynette . I know Tramaine is still singing but I don`t think Lynette sings much anymore.

[@jddrew1000]

@ i didn't realize Howe much Lynette emulated her singing style until i saw this comment. There is definitely an influence

[@denezstallworth4549]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@denezstallworth4549]

😊😊😊😊

[@denezstallworth4549]

😊

[@ladynfsoffice]

Edwin Hawkins to me was the defining factor in Comtemporary Black Gospel Music. The first comtemporary song I learned on our old upright piano was his 'O Happy Day' at a young age of 7 years old. Thank you for sharing this 1971 version of My Father's House. I also see Walter and Tramaine and the big hair/clothing styles big back happy memories. :-)

[@dancingdiamonddesigns413]

This was my favorite childhood Edwin Hawkins song from the O Happy Day album. I was too young to understand what they were saying but loved it. When most people were talking about O Happy Day I was raving over To My Father's House.

[@sugafoot777]

When I was growing up, my mom's choir used to march in singing this song. Brings back so many good memories!

[@virtuouswomankb]

That's right Elaine Kelly...show us younger singers how ministering should be done!

[@Ma1nguy]

I sure miss that type of music today. That brings back wonderful memories.

[@williechapman5293]

I love Gospel music

[@ipeyo55]

This is where I go to lift my spirit, gospel music makes my soul soar to the heights, Bless whomever made this post!

[@patie48nce]

This is such a beautiful song from when gospel was gospel. I haven't heard it since the 1970's. i enjoyed then and I enjoy it now. Than you for posting this beautiful song.

[@CynsEmptyNest]

I grew up on the version of the song - Love it!

[@jjisola]

I first heard this song sung by Shirly Harry and Zion Singers. Of course, the Hawkins tore it up originally. Go on feet, keep tapp'in!

[@brentduanefoster]

WOW!! Your aunt KILLED this song!! Took me back to church something CRAZY!!!!

[@jholyghosthead]

that was so awesome! elaine sung that!! the choir and music was off the chain too! its amazing how much elaine and lynette sound so much alike! wow!!

[@MegaSage007]

What made the Edwin Hawkins singers grreat with Jesus in their Spirit was their ability to do so many different versions to a song.

[@bishopjohnnnyjones6868]

THIS MY TRIBRUTE TO EDWIN AND WALTER HAWKINS RIP

[@vangoghmatisse1]

SANG ELAINE KELLY!

[@poppyspanda]

never saw them perform before. bought the album 'oh happy day' in 1969. Wondrous then - Wondrous now!! thank you so much.

[@WoahitsSitlaly]

Uplifting music!!

[@SpeegBJ]

No better voice than Kelly's for this beautiful song. I am glad to know she is well and with us. I felt like the Singers were living down the street from me when listening to their music. (they didn't though); because their harmonies and voices and the arrangements were so wonderfully alive. Thank you for this vintage post. And THANK YOU Elaine.

[@brettsomers]

Love the hairstyles, love the outfits, love the music. Miss Kelly knows her stuff!

[@sweet2jade]

God fearing sing is the best

[@xrigtrk]

Wow got that Inez Andrew's sound.sing Ms Elaine. Mercy

[@coachnsuccess]

The thrilling days of yesteryear. Gospel at its best. O happy day, Come go with me, what sanging by the renowned Hawkins, Lynette, Tramaine, Joel, all.

[@SpeegBJ]

Loving reading the folks who knew the choir on here. Thank you. I fell in love with their glorious sound when their LP came out. Have it to this day...and many times over can sing with them.

[@michaelrhodes2726]

Vashawn Mitchell

[@honie00]

sometimes i dont people know the value of what they ve done. the hawkins family saved this young girl, anow a woman , life and brought in the christ i needed. the living , real christ. i am still praising him , but you help make him personal to me . thank you is not enough but such as i have give i, share this with peace of god presence . so thank you with all my heart . love you much!

[@carmenjonze]

Who is nuts enough to thumbs down on this? They don't make music like this anymore :(

[@recpeace3]

I love this song..I actually have this ALBUM,,,so it's great to see this video...by the way...this album is classic... a young Tramaine Hawkins..before she got married i believe...just beautiful

[@vegieguy2008]

I'm so glad we can still find such gems as these sisters... music of hope and inspiration, thanks for your wonderful video

[@aethiops007]

I love that SANCTIFIED look for women!!!

[@VioletaFlow]

Whatever. In 1971 you'd better come correct in church.

[@KDB-sw8gi]

Amen, my brother!

[@matthewlevy3024]

its a beautiful thing thing they were fresh out of cogic back then so they was still dressing the part lol

[@GUHJordan]

Beautiful ❤❤

[@pierlejna83]

Thanks for the update. It's nice to know that the singers of the past are doing well, and still contributing to the community.

[@dvlaries]

SOMEwhere out there has to exist tape of their appearance on Engelbert Humperdinck's brief ABC series, which they appeared on in 1970. Morrison was still with choir and she does "Oh Happy Day," then passes the mike to Kelly for this one. As I remember, both performances were unhurried, and Humperdinck gave the group the generous, final slot on the show. We'll really know some joy if this shows up on KZbin!

[@SHANKY762003]

Wow, I remember this style of singing when I was young in Columbus, Ohio. There are some great singers in the church in Ohio!

[@evelynevanderwerff185]

i am not religeous,but these gospel singers make me wish i was.....

[@marshamcluhan]

the video and the song are just beautiful!

[@jjisola]

OHHH ... to be so blessed as being a descendant of such a great persona Child. She made the Hawkins family the HAWKINS' family from the get go. Sister Elaine has been a blessing to so many down here on the Navajo - Native Reservation for so many years. Our prayers and love go out to your Aunt. Hallelujah and Amen! The folks and community members of the Red Mesa Navajo Full Gospel Church holds her up in prayer and in agreement. All in the Name of Jesus!

[@kevinbouknight1308]

The guy on the bongos looks like he's about to bounce himself right out of that chair! LOL

[@arthurj3532]

+Kevin Bouknight You are so right...lol

[@62chucky]

RIGHT! I mean he is IN IT!!! lol..play!!

[@carroncaldwell8496]

A gifted family from God himself.

[@gayle2020]

I remember when I bought that album. I was about 18y.o., played it to death. Still have it to this day and can appreciate more.

[@Mzbirdd]

Sis Kelley and sis Gordon are members at my church......they are lovely women beautiful spirits and hearts

[@averythomas7919]

birdiebaby47 are they still alive?

[@christhomas5761]

avery thomas, I know for sure Sister Elaine Kelly is alive and well. She was at Edwin hawkins funeral service a couple days ago and was singing with some of the other original Edwin Hawkins Singers who were there.

[@laminage]

I remember when there was a Gospel Choir on A UK Soap Opera called Eastenders and one of The Families The Slaters were mesmerized by The Music.

[@preacherfemale]

We still sing this song in church 2010........

[@brentduanefoster]

I go to Love Center (Walter's church) Man, do I wish the Love Center Choir would sing this one sunday!!! :)

[@bribone2000]

Sing that Soprano Aunt Ruthann Lyons. Wow, what a treasure.

[@waltertowns1362]

I love it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cedi4thebrethren]

Don't yall just love the hair styles and the wardrobe??? Sang!

[@plowe06]

I have the original album and it is still sounds good. I remember when I was a kid we sang this in the choir.

[@LoveForSure82]

this is my favorite song ever! they look and sound so good!!

[@Emeless]

Wo what a performance. That Elaine Kelly is awesome. Thanks for posting.

[@MozartG]

My Man Playing Those Bongos LOL

[@dvlaries]

This is from their debut, 1969 album "Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord," on Pavilion records that also carried "Oh Happy Day." With each television appearance the group shrunk a little more. The liner photo on the back of the LP shows a choir of at least sixty individuals. With Elaine Kelly, Dorothy Combs Morrison, Betty Watson, Margarette Branch and Ruth Lyons also shine as soloists on that debut album. I've never been without a copy.

[@brentduanefoster]

My Pastor is looking like Freddie Prinze in this one!!LOL Love ya, Bishop!!!

[@Pianosuga08]

Wow dat was bumpin dey had a great and so did I.

[@virtuouswomankb]

Amazing lead vocalist...she needs to come of our worship seminars and some of these new artists how it should be done...

[@TrevorRobertsJr]

Beautiful!

[@RETROGEMS]

They are INCREDIBLE! WOWW!

[@54spiritedwill54]

Now! this is what I call singing

[@2777724]

now this is church thank you for the post

[@24kevinB]

I love the message in this song, God bless.

[@amykso]

God bless you all!! Amazing!! This song is one of my favorites!! Amen!

[@ShondaGospelDiva]

If this is the original soloist for this original recording of this song, then it is Elain Kelley. This son is on Edwin Hawkins Singers "Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord" where "Oh Happy Day" was FIRST released.

[@blessed4areason]

I love it.

[@TKitchings]

Take notice: WALTER is singing tenor, right behind the soloist, the guy with the process hairstyle

[@jwjordan7114]

I am at Williams memorial COGIC right now. I just met mother Elaine !

[@preacherfemale]

i APPROVE THIS SONG........

[@beaux_man]

There's a church in Monroe Louisiana that sings this at every funeral they have......Have the entire church shouting!!!!

[@neKadmiel]

wow...wonderful...amazing

[@comingout05]

Thank you for posting! I love this song and had a hard time finding this version. Real musicians, no autotune, just real music! Prais de Lawd!

[@sabine1997]

yes, she is

[@lshplayer90]

@miznatacha That's great to know that she's doing well. Tell your aunt Ms. Kelley that she is a beautiful woman with one of the most amazing voices around.

[@MrNIKKIpda1]

mame was leading that song!!!!!powerful-- where have all the plain ole signing form th gut and beltiing it out gone

[@virtuouswomankb]

Thank you sharing. Anointed music and vocals. Great camera work....keeps your attention. Love it!

[@smallrich]

Elaine now resides in Sacramento California.

[@Orbot]

Man, look at the big hair.....we still kinda have it today too!!

[@ManganeseMan]

That is Johnny Cash in the intro... great song, sound and singer! Elaine Kelly got it done!

[@ravenblanketful]

this is singing!!

[@Bishoptobe]

i love it!

[@holydance4330]

The beginning of contemporary gospel...ya dig?

[@Themaddprof]

I'm with you on that. While this kind of soulful gospel (Hawkins, Andre Crouch, et. al.) was as controversial in the early 70s as hip hop Gospel is today (and even the Dixie Hummingbirds and Soul Stirrers in the 50s were considered too jazzy and rockish), the sound of someone rapping can not match the soul power of someone lifting their voices in song.

[@brentduanefoster]

The American Storyteller That's true. Every generation of Gospel Music Artists have had to endure the same criticism from church folks who couldn't get with the times.

[@GeeQue03]

That's why we can't be so critical of today's generation

[@GeeQue03]

@@BonRain8734 Well there are plenty who are not, and some coloreds will STILL find SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY! I said what I said! I know plenty of naturally gifted creators in TODAYS music industry. You just got stuck in a past decade. And that’s okay. It happens to a lot of non progressive people lol

[@maryanncampbell3422]

Awesome!

[@mckei2000]

I can get my shout on this song!

[@missmsmrs.7309]

HALLELUJAH TO GOD! ❤️💖❤️

[@BeeFlannel]

That's Elaine Kelly. She also does several other leads, like I'm Gonna Praise Him".

[@sgillman16]

the original version is by the Les Humphries Singers, from 1971

[@chevydude658]

I feel like Kermit the Frog when I hear her! I wanna wave my arms and scream ELAINE KELLY YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

[@christhomas5761]

lol, I know what you mean.. I never get tired of hearing Elaine Kelly.

[@1986purplegirl]

This is Mother Kelly from COGIC, Lynette sounds just like her! I thought it was Lynette after all these years!!! OMG!!!

[@smallrich]

as you can see, all of the thumbs down gave great reviews, even some who know the singers well...I dont think anyone was consious of those....no one has said anything negative...

[@ramonpchi]

Loved it ! Laid them to test in 3:15. A quick work.

[@upallnght]

amen words of truth in a world of pretense

[@soulbrother34]

Lynette didn't sing with the group until 1974, when it was just, Edwin, Daniel, Shirley and Jeanie King, "The Knit Group years, and she stayed with them until their last recording, "The Comforter" was done in 1977!!

[@3373-g8z]

Johnny Cash was heavily influenced by Gospel music, so having these guys on made simple sense, the fact that it was 1970ish, is what makes it remarkable.